Why save the Texas horned lizards? Will your life be any different if they are gone?

This is when I bring up one of my favorite words, BIODIVERSITY. Biodiversity involves the richness and variety of species in an area. Science has shown us that the more variety of species in an area, the more chance of survival for ALL species. When species go extinct, DNA with their genetic fingerprint goes with them. If we allow even one of Earth’s species to die off because of our carelessness, what does this say about us?

My generation grew up playing with horned lizards in our Texas backyards. I remember the absolute joy of finding a “horny toad” hanging around a red harvester ant den. I would watch while they would lap up the parading ants because this lizard is not really built for chasing after anything, with its flat, chubby body. Unfortunately, many people didn’t like the “look” of the bare spots that red ant dens leave in manicured lawns, so they poisoned their food source. They also fought a battle with the imported fire ants that invaded the territories. If you poison the ants, you “doom” the animal that eats them.

Texas horned lizards also suffered a tragic fate under the pet trade, as they require almost 100 red ants a day! Do you realize how difficult it would be to keep a horned lizard as a pet? The decline of these critters is contributed to many factors, with nothing being determined the 100-percent reason for their disappearance.

If you ask people now, “Have you seen a horny toad, lately?” Most people will answer, “I haven’t seen one of those little guys in years!”

Texas horned lizards are docile reptiles that didn’t seem to mind being around people. They would let you pick them up and stroke their little bellies. They would close their eyes seeming like they enjoyed this attention. (Note: Since 1977, they have been a protected species, so don’t be picking them up!

They look like little prehistoric creatures with their spiky head and dinosaur-like body. Depending on their habitat location, they seem to blend in their surrounding so perfectly!

However, when things get serious, these tough lizards will puff up their little round bodies to make themselves look big and too hard to swallow. And, yes, they will even squirt a foul-smelling blood out of their eyelids to warn predators, “Hey, don’t mess with me! I’m a little crazy!” Horned lizards are the only known reptile with this interesting defense mechanism. With all these amazing characteristics, their disappearance in parts of Texas was a definite wake up call.

In 1990, a group of concerned citizens, worried about the decline in these creatures, met in Austin to try to do something about it, and they formed the Horned Lizard Conservation Society.

In 1993, the 73rd Texas Legislature signed a concurrent resolution to make the Texas horned lizard the state reptile of Texas, “an appropriate representative of our state.” As you can see, there were enough people across the state of Texas that felt a connection with this creature to make a difference! The organization grew, and today, has a membership that covers five state regions and parts of Mexico.

The organization’s mission is to study, document and publicize the value and conservation needs of the horned lizards, to promote horned lizard conservation projects, and assist with horned lizard management initiatives throughout their ranges.

In addition, Texas Parks and Wildlife employees have also been diligently working to save these little critters. Presently, our Rolling Plains Chapter conducts monthly surveys to count the THL populations at some area locations, thanks to concerned land-owners. When we come across one of these little guys, it is like finding a long-lost friend!

Would my life be different if they are gone? Well, if the feeling of heartfelt joy has any value, then….yes, my life would not be as full without the Texas Horned Lizards.

The Texas horned lizard remains on the state “threatened” list and efforts continue to preserve this species.

If you would like to help with the conservation efforts, visit http://www.hornedlizards.org.